NO20111223L - Television signal receivers to display a list of channels - Google Patents

Abstract

A receiver for television signals is arranged to receive video signals comprising video data and information data. The receiver is arranged to respond to viewer operation of a control device (28). The receiver includes a processor (23) for processing selected information data to convert the same into signals representative thereof for output to a television in combination with the video signals. The receiver is arranged to respond to the information data to output for display data derived from said image data and said information data and representing an inter-active image. The receiver is responsive to viewer manipulation of the control device to vary the inter-active image and to establish a telecommunications link to a remote site for on-line interaction via the inter-active image between the viewer and the remote site. The interactive image may form part of an interactive services interface comprising a broadcast entry level and plural broadcast interactive levels. The inter-active services interface may comprise one or more on-line interactive levels entered from one of the broadcast interactive levels for establishing an on-line connection with a remote site.

Description

The invention relates to improvements in receivers for television signals, and more specifically, the invention relates to a receiver for receiving television signals in a plurality of channels arranged to display a list of channels that can be received, as stated in the preamble of claim 1.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a receiver for receiving television signals in a plurality of channels, as stated in claim 6, and a computer program product comprising program code means as stated in claim 11.

For general clarification of prior art, reference is made to WO 9501058 which describes an audiovisual system where one has the option of choosing what one wants to watch and interactive offers from a majority of program and service providers. WO 9412284 describes a reprogrammable terminal for suggesting programs offered in a television program system. EP 0562295 describes a method and an apparatus for controlling several smart cards.

Currently, most television broadcasts, regardless of the medium over which the signals are broadcast (terrestrial, cable, satellite) are analogue-based and comprise a simple television service

(e.g. SKY ONE, SKY SPORTS, SKY MO VIES) which is broadcast on a carrier signal or channel. However, the use of digital-based broadcasting technology is imminent. Digital broadcasting technology will enable television companies to broadcast high definition television programs or a majority of standard definition programs or a majority of customer services or a combination of these in a single channel.

In a conventional analogue television broadcasting system, programs (or "services") are broadcast by separate television companies on a single carrier signal ("channel"). In a digital-based broadcasting system, it is possible to broadcast a plurality of services that are multiplexed together on a single carrier. Unless the following text requires otherwise, the term "channel" will be used here as a reference to the bandwidth used for a simple service of broadcasting television programs or other customer services. The term "channel" therefore includes both a complete carrier signal (when the signal is used in its entirety by a single service) and part of a carrier signal (when the signal is shared by a plurality of services).

The possibility of transmitting a plurality of channels on a single carrier signal allows for a far greater number of services to be produced in the digital area than is possible in the analogue area. Some of the channels in a carrier can be used for normal television programs at the same time that other channels in the carrier are used for data for other customer services such as e.g. overviews of television programs, direct program ordering or so-called pay-per-programme (PPV) services, etc. Customer services must not be confused with "services" provided by television companies as referred to above.

In addition to such television-related services, some of the channels in a carrier can be used to provide directly connected purchasing opportunities where a customer can purchase goods and/or services from their own home. Such direct purchases are of course only possible if there is an element of interactivity between the supplier of the goods/services and the customer. The term "interactive services" will be used here to generally refer to directly connected purchasing opportunities and the like that are made available via one or more channels in a digital-based broadcasting system.

Digital data compression techniques enable a single channel to simultaneously carry a

plural interactive services. In itself, this creates a problem. Many customers will be confused by the large number of interactive services available to them. If customers are confused, they will not use the interactive services. Obviously this is undesirable.

Transmission bandwidth is a finite resource and will continue to be of utmost importance even if the advantage of digital data compression techniques is fully exploited. This creates a problem when it comes to arriving at an interactive service. On the one hand, it is desirable to present images and graphics with high quality. However, higher quality necessitates the use of a larger bandwidth. On the other hand, it is desirable to keep costs down because customers will not make use of interactive services if they are significantly more expensive than comparable services in a shopping street.

The invention relates to the problems mentioned above and other problems.

According to the invention, the initially mentioned receiver is characterized for receiving television signals in a plurality of channels arranged to display a list of channels that can be received in that a user-operable selector can be operated to select from the list channels for which details will not be able to be displayed by the receiver in a further listing of channels..

Further embodiments of this receiver for receiving television signals in a plurality of channels appear from the attached subordinate claims 2-5.

Furthermore, according to the preamble of claim 6, the initially mentioned method for operating a receiver for receiving television signals in a plurality of channels is characterized by the features that appear in the characterizing part of this claim.

Further embodiments of the method according to this claim appear from the subordinate claims 7-10.

The initially mentioned computer program product appears in the attached claim 11.

The above and other features of the invention will be described in the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a television receiver system;

fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of a satellite decoder;

fig. 3 is a functional diagram showing the interactivity between hardware and software in the decoder of fig. 2;

fig. 4 is a diagram of an interface structure for interactive services;

fig. 5 schematically shows a menu screen;

fig. 6 schematically shows a screen that reproduces service providers where they offer interactive services;

fig. 7 shows a main menu screen from a service provider;

fig. 8 schematically shows a screen from a service provider;

fig. 9 schematically shows another screen for a service provider;

fig. 10 shows a live screen for a service provider;

fig. 11 schematically shows another direct-connected screen;

fig. 12 schematically shows an interactive level that offers services from a plurality of service providers;

fig. 13 is a diagram of a screen showing some of the many service providers of FIG. 12;

fig. 14 shows another interactive screen;

fig. 15 shows a screen with lists;

fig. 16 shows a lockout screen; and

fig. 17 shows a screen with lists of channels.

The drawings' fig. 1 shows a television receiver system 1 comprising a television set (TV) 2, a digital integrated receiver decoder 3 (decoder) which is connected to receive signals from a satellite dish 4 and a video cassette player 5 (VCR) and a modem 7. The system 1 can further it is desired to include a personal computer 6 (PC) and game console 8, each of which is connected with associated cables to the decoder 3. SCART connections or other standard connections can be used as required. The decoder 3 acts as an interface between TV 2 and VCR 5, PC 6, modem 7 and the game console 8 and thereby serves to control the system 1.

Receiver/ Decoder

Fig. 2 of the drawings shows the decoder 3 in more detail. The satellite dish receives signals from a satellite (not shown). The signals from the satellite dish 4 come as input to a tuning unit 12 and from here to a quadrature phase shift key (QSPK) demodulator 13. Demodulated signals are error corrected with a forward error correction circuit 14. Data from the forward error correction circuit is fed to a transport/demultiplexer 15 which separates the data into video data, audio data , user service data, program overview data etc. for distribution to different locations in the decoder. Satellite (and of course cable) programs are usually scrambled or scrambled to prevent unauthorized access by unauthorized subscribers. The decoder 3 therefore comprises a condition-determining access control circuit 16 which cooperates with a smart card 16a to determine whether the viewer has subscribed to a special channel and is therefore authorized to access it. Proprietary control of channel access is also found at least partially with the access control circuit 16. The decoder 3 further comprises a circuit 17 for cancellation of reversal (de-distortion) and which is controlled by the access control circuit 16 to enable cancellation of the reversal of the signal for authorized subscribers.

The received signals comprise digitally coded data. The aim is that this data will be compressed, e.g. using the DVB/MPEG 2 standards which allow both program data and additional data (eg interactive service data) to be transmitted on a single channel. DVB/MPEG 2 makes it possible to achieve high compression ratios.

Signals that have had their reversal canceled (de-distorted) in the circuit 17 are fed to a video decompression and processing circuit 18 and an audio decompression and processing circuit 19 which work e.g. according to the MPEG standard. Decompressed video signals are fed to a SCART interface 20 for direct input to a TV 2 and to a PAL encoder 21 where they are encoded in PAL format for modulation by a UHF modulator 22 for output to the UHF input of a TV 1 if so desired.

The system 3 is controlled by a processor 23 which communicates with various units in the system via a bus 24. The processor 23 is connected to a read storage (ROM) 25 (possibly including a CD-ROM drive 25a, and a direct storage (RAM) 26 (comprising both the -misc RAM and static RAM) and a "flash" memory 27 (non-volatile and writable). As will be explained in more detail below, the processor 23 controls the operation of the decoder 3 by setting the polling device 12 to to receive signals for the desired channel from the satellite dish 4 and to control demultiplexing, cancellation of reversal (therefore inversion) and decompression so that the desired program and/or interactive service data is displayed on the screen of a television 2. The viewer's choice of desired programs and customer services are controlled using a remote control unit 28 which, when operated by the viewer, sends control signals to a receiver 29 for input to the processor 23.

The system 3 further comprises a high-speed data interface 30 and an RS232 interface 31 to form a serial link. The high-speed data interface 30 and the RS232 interface can be connected to the PC 6 and/or the game console 8 in fig. 1 and/or other digital equipment (not shown). The high-speed data interface 30 enables the system 3 to be connected to other devices (not shown) e.g. to be able to receive services broadcast via other media such as a broadband cable and digital terrestrial broadcasting. The decoder 3 further comprises a modem interface 32 for connecting a telephone network.

The operation of the decoder 3, in particular the processor 23, is controlled by software which causes the processor 23 to respond to control signals from the remote control unit 28 and to data included in the signal received by the satellite dish 4 and in the storage units 25 - 27. A schematic illustration of the interaction between hardware and software in the decoder 3 is shown in the drawings' fig. 3. Data in an incoming signal is divided by the transport/demultiplexer 15 into video data and information data. The information data is distributed around the hardware and software as will be described in more detail below. Video data and audio data are demultiplexed and output in a suitable form for input to a television by an MPEG video and audio circuits 18 and 19. When information is to be displayed either with or instead of video, data representing the information is output in a suitable form for supply to the TV via an on-screen OSD (drive) 33 and the video circuit 18. Signals from the OSD drive 33 and the video circuit 18 are combined as appropriate before being supplied to the TV. The operation of the software and hardware in the decoder 3 is based around an operating system 35. The conditional access controller 16 has associated software that interfaces with the operating system. The processor 23 has its own basic operating system 37 which interfaces with the decoder's operating system 35. Applications such as e.g. such as an intelligent or chronic program guide (IEPG) 39 and other applications 40 including interactive services interface with the operating system 35 via an application interface 41 and associated application translator 42. The software for conditional access applications such as the intelligent electronic program guide 39 is installed permanently in the non-volatile stock, e.g. ROM 25 in the decoder 3, but different information such as new access codes and program list details are updated regularly via signals received from the satellite dish 4. Demodulated signals from the demodulator 13 are fed to the transport multiplexer 15 which examines the data to determine where it should be sent. From time to time, significant changes may be made to customize access codes or the manner in which the Intelligent Electronic Program Guide (IEPG) 39 displays program information. In addition, programs for further applications, e.g. interactive commerce or banking, also supplied via the satellite for the decoder. Such application data is routed by the conveyor 15 directly to the correct areas 40 of the warehouse.

Operational data 43 is supplied on a substantially continuous basis in any channel. Operative data 43 includes conditional access data 44 which is linked to a channel and/or program therein which enables the conditional access controller 16 to decide whether access is to be allowed or not to a particular program by canceling the reversal of data for it. In addition, operational data that is linked to interactive services is transferred in dedicated interactive service channels that carry control data and information data for use in hardware and software for the processor 23 and associated storage devices 25 to 27. In this way, operational data 43 which is indicated in fig. 3 also interactive service programs and information 46 (e.g. regarding personal banking services) and in any case any data 47 which is necessary on a largely continuous or regular basis for the previously mentioned interactive services.

The transport/demultiplexer 15 is designed to convey operational data 43 to the processor 23. This data is processed in the operating system 35 and in the conditional access and/or other operational software. The processor 23 reacts to the data by sending the corresponding commands or information to other units in the system. Control data is also transmitted between the processor 23 and such units as the demultiplexer 15, the video and audio decompressors 18,19, the remote control receiver 29 and the high-speed data interface 30 via the respective drives 48 - 52.

The combined hardware and software of the decoder 3 enables data in received channels to be decoded for display of user-selected programs and customer services. The reversal (distortion) is controlled on a continuous basis and the decoder can be updated with new codes to cancel the reversal (de-distortion) if and when necessary. Data for interactive services is supplied and updated mostly continuously and programs associated with recently selected interactive services are downloaded into the decoder.

The operation of the decoder 3 in terms of receiving and decoding data representing television programs and data determining overviews and other information related to the programs is described in detail in international patent application PCT/GB96/01228, the contents of which are shown here to as a reference. The operation of the decoder 3 when it comes to providing interactive services will be described in the following.

Interactive services

The interactive services are hierarchical and interface with the viewer as shown in the drawings' fig. 4. The structure of the interactive interface 60 represents the order in which information is presented to the viewer and comprises an introduction level containing two different introduction screens 61, 62 and several different interactive levels 63 to 68. As a rule, introduction to the interactive services will be initialized by the viewer manipulates an "interactive service" key (not shown) on the remote control 28 (see Fig. 2). The processor 23 is arranged to react to such manipulation by causing a menu of choices to be displayed on the screen of the TV 2. Data defining the menu is stored in the storage devices 25 - 27 in the decoder where data defining the shape of the menu (ie . a menu field) stored semi-permanently (e.g. in a non-volatile storage). In a broadcasting system, e.g. satellite broadcasts, it is possible to construct the decoder 3 to receive data that defines new templates over the broadcast medium so that menus and the like can be updated by the broadcasting company without the need for any participation from the viewer. Data that defines captions that appear in the menu is stored separately so that the captions can also be changed if and when desired by the broadcasting company without this affecting the form of the menu.

The menu of choices is shown by 73 in fig. 5 in the drawings and corresponds to the input screen 61 in fig. 4. On fig. 5, the menu 73 comprises a choice field 74 which extends over an upper part of the screen and has a symbol for each of the choices "TV list" 75, "Ticket order" 76, "Customer services" 77 and "Interactive services" 78, which can be selected by the viewer. The options "TV list", "Ticket sales" and "Customer services" are described in detail in international patent application PCT/GB96/01228. As shown in fig. 5, the interactive services option is selected and the "interactive services" symbol 78 lights up with a gathering field 79 extending from the symbol behind ten different captions 80 to 89 representing available services via the decoder. The symbols 75 to 77 appear faint to show that these options have not been selected.

A single field is used to define the menu for all options represented by the symbols 75 to 78 so that regardless of which option is selected, the appearance and contact with the menu will be the same. Naturally, the captions will vary between menus and therefore different caption data is stored for each selection in the menu. It is technically possible to transmit data for the field and the caption for the menu 63 continuously via satellite, but it is advantageous if the data is only broadcast from time to time and stored in the decoder 3 so that when selected the menu is displayed on the screen of The TV 2 without any particular delay.

Captions 80 to 89 will naturally depend on which interactive services are available to the viewer. The image captions shown in Fig. 4 are representative of a broad cross-section of services that can be made available to a viewer and include online shopping and financial services, entertainment, information and communication. Other categories of services could of course be available if desired.

A service is selected by operating a numbered key on the remote control unit 28 corresponding to one of the numbered arrows 90 to 99 next to the captions 80 to 89. The processor 23 responds to such operation of a numbered key as a command to select the service that responds to this number. Alternatively, operation of the "up" and "down" keys on the remote control unit results in the processor causing each of the texts 80 to 89 and corresponding arrows 90 to 99 to light up in turn on the television screen (eg text 81 and arrow 91). Operation of a "selected" key on the remote control unit 28 is interpreted by the processor 23 as a command to select the service corresponding to the illuminated text.

When a service is selected, the processor 23 responds by entering the first interactive level 63 which represents all service providers for the selected category of service. A screen representing some, if not all, service providers is displayed on the TV. Fig. 6 of the drawings shows an example of a screen 100 which is displayed if the "purchase" text 81 is selected from the menu of fig. 5. The screen 100 comprises nine symbols 101 to 109 which represent trademarks and/or logos of "stores" that offer a direct online purchase service. Field data defining the layout of symbols and log data defining the various logos contained within the symbols are normally transmitted continuously via a satellite to be received when needed at the decoder. Naturally, if sufficient storage or memory were available in the decoder 3, data could be held in the decoder and simply updated from time to time as changes occur. The company names shown in fig. 6 are only examples and should not be taken as if something is preferred or that there is any connection between these companies and the applicant in the present case and to whom the invention has been transferred.

The design of the screen 100 can be compared to information boards in a shopping street. Operation of keys on the remote control unit enables the viewer to visit each "store" in turn should he so desire. Each "store" has a number shown in symbols 101 to 108 which allows for "visits" to a store by operating the corresponding numbered key on the remote control unit 28. When "a store" is selected by operating the keys on the remote control unit 28, the processor responds 23 to proceed in the next, i.e. the second interactive level 64 (see fig. 4), where information relating to the selected store is displayed. In fig. 6, the Thomas Cook symbol 102 is highlighted and for the sake of explanation, it shall be assumed that the Thomas Cook business has been entered by the viewer.

When entering the "store" (by operating the remote control keys), the processor 23 will thus ensure that the screen changes to the screen 110 shown in the drawings' fig. 7. It should be pointed out that the screen 110 corresponds to the second interactive level 64 in fig. 4. Continuing the shopping street analogy, entering the screen 110 will be equivalent to entering a store on the shopping street. The screen 110 is transmitted continuously over a dedicated channel or part of a channel, and when the "store" is selected, the processor 23 causes the decoder 3 to receive the decoded data from the correct channel. Since all screens are determined by only a few fields, the feel of each store screen will be the same in terms of the design of the screen in question. However, within the outline of the field, each service provider is free to adapt the appearance of the screen to their own needs.

As for the screen 110, the design requires that a main title field 111 be displayed on an upper part of the screen, an operation field 112 be displayed on a lower part of the screen, an image 113 and selection texts 114 be displayed on a central part of the screen, while a second title field 115 shall is displayed between the middle and lower part of the screen. With respect to screen 110, the main title field 111 on the screen indicates the main menu for Thomas Cook, the second title field 115 is blank and the control field 112 contains only an "out" key 116 which enables the viewer to return to the shopping street screen 100 shown on fig. 6.

Depending on the wishes of the service provider and its budget when it comes to paying for bandwidth, the image 113 can be a still image or a moving image. Although compression techniques have been used to compress image signals for e.g. 1/8 or 1/16 screen size and the decoder is designed to decompress the signals to create a 1/4 size screen, still images will require less bandwidth and are therefore less expensive than live video images. An audio track containing speech, music, sound effects or a mixture of all three may also be sent for playback when the screen 110 is displayed. When video is displayed in the image section, audio and video can be synchronized. If the service provider has currently or previously had advertising on the television, the person concerned can choose to run the advertisement as the video image in the central part of the screen 110.

The texts 114 enable the viewer to select from a number of options when operating the keys on the remote control unit in a manner similar to that already described above in connection with figures 5 and 6 of the drawings. For the sake of explanation, it will be assumed that the option 117 " Specialist/activity holiday" is chosen by the viewer. The processor 23 responds to this selection by ensuring that the screen 120 shown in fig. 8 in the drawings, will be shown. The screen 120 corresponds to the third interactive level 65 in the drawings fig. 4.1 the shopping street analogy is introduction on the screen 120 equivalent to a visit to a specialist/activity holiday consultant in a Thomas Cook store. In a department store, it will be equivalent to entering a department in the magazine. Data that defines the screen 120 and any associated audio is also transmitted continuously over a dedicated channel from the satellite.

It should be pointed out that the shape of the screen 120 corresponds to the shape of the screen 110 in that the screen 120 comprises a main title field 121, an operating field 122, an image 123, selectable texts 124 and a second title field 125. It should be pointed out, however, that the information on the screens 110 and 120 are completely different and that the design of the texts 114 and 124 in the middle parts of the two screens 110 and 120 are not the same.

On the screen 120, the displayed image 123 will depend on which of the selectable texts 124 is selected. If e.g. the 'golf' option 126 is selected, a video of a golf course may be displayed, but if the 'cruise' option 127 is selected, a series of still images of a cruise ship may be displayed instead. The content of each screen will of course depend on the wishes to the service provider and within the limits of the predetermined models, the content can be varied as desired. Actually, the choice of which screens are to be used and in what order lies with the service provider, who can, for example, decide to use screen 120 as the main menu and screen 120 for more special services .

It is possible for a service provider to choose a mix of videos and still images to create the most cost-effective portrait of their goods and services. It is worth noting that videos and sequences with still images can be transmitted either continuously or in a closed loop. In the case of a continuous video loop, the viewer will enter the loop completely randomly. The loop can be as long as the service provider wishes, but will normally not be longer than one or two minutes in length. It is intended that videos and still images will be presented to entertain a viewer, and therefore entering a video halfway through the loop will not have any adverse effect. Actually, an entertaining video can encourage a viewer to stay and buy products and services and wait for the video to run from beginning to end instead of just exiting the screen. If the service provider considers it important that a video loop should only be viewed from the beginning, a suitable command can be transmitted along with the video to wait until the loop begins before outputting the video (and accompanying audio).

The operating field 122 has three active colored symbols 128 to 130 each of which has a descriptive text rendered and a passive icon 131. The colors of the symbols 128 to 131 correspond to the colors of four colored keys (not shown) on the remote control unit 28. Operation of a colored key on the remote control unit causes the processor 23 to perform the function indicated on the control field for this color. In this way, operation of the key which has a color corresponding to the color of the symbol 129 will cause the processor to introduce a routine for buying a holiday.

Instruction code for the vacation purchase routine is transmitted at an appropriate time to the decoder. The code may be transmitted as part of an initial download of data in the channel containing the main menu of the service provider, in which case it will be transmitted with data for other routines that may be used during the viewer's interactivity with the services of the service provider. Moreover, the code can be transferred with data for the screen 120 where code and data are separated for storage in respective storage areas of the transport/demultiplexer 15 (see Figs. 2 and 3). When the purchase symbol 129 is selected, the processor 23 will respond by ensuring that the modem 32 sets up a telecom connection with a predetermined number. The number is transmitted together with other data for the screen 120 and corresponds to the number where the service provider's computer is located. While the connection is being established, video, still image or a sequence 123 of still images continues to be displayed to entertain the viewer until the connection is successful. Also, a symbol 132 representing a modem is shown. The symbol 132 which is displayed in one color and/or flashes while the connection is established, is displayed in a different color when the connection is ready.

By setting up the modem connection, the viewer gets direct contact with the service provider. Modem connection is much slower than broadcasting data and generally modem is used to transfer data that is directly related to a purchase or when a direct exchange of data (conversation) is required between the viewer and the service provider.

Display data of a general nature continues to be extracted from the satellite transmission for display. In the case of direct connection, one or more screens correspond to levels 66 to 68 in fig. 4 displayed on the TV screen. Directly connected displays may follow the same general format, but will seek to be more specific to the purchase(s) being made.

Fig. 9 in the drawings shows an example of a screen 140 for use in direct purchases from a supermarket, e.g. J. Sainsbury plc. As with previous screens, the screen 140 includes a main title field 141 and an operating field 142, but the information in the middle part 143 of the screen concerns the purchases made by the viewer. The image in the middle part 143 is of a receipt 144 with a number of items corresponding to the goods to be purchased by the viewer.

Data forming the image of the receipt 144, the background for the central part 143, the highlight 145 above a selected item and the price and total subtotal 146 are transmitted via satellite together with data for the text field 141 and the operation field 142. Data corresponding to the items is stored in a memory when the items are selected in the previous screen. This data was originally sent via satellite or can be retrieved directly via the modem depending on the service provider's setup. Data corresponding to the price of selected goods is received via the modem from the service provider's computer equipment and transformed via the processor 23 into a suitable form for display on the screen 140. Price and subtotal data are calculated by the processor 23 in accordance with a program that is sent with the data that defines the screen 140 via satellite. The colored symbols 147 to 150 enable the user to control the processor 23 to move between different screens to thereby create an opportunity for the user to bring up the previous screen (corresponding to level 65 in Fig. 4) to select further items being purchased and then to move to the next screen (corresponding to level 67 in Fig. 4) to complete the purchase. Programs associated with each of the colored symbols 147 to 150 are of course transmitted via satellite.

Selection of the end symbol 148 causes the processor 23 to change the television display to the screen 153 shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings. The screen 153 corresponds to level 67 in FIG.

4. As with the previous screens, the screen 153 comprises a main text field 154 and an operating field 155. The middle part comprises a list 156 of days and dates and a list 157

over delivery times. Operation of the keys on the remote control unit enables the user to specify the day, date and time of delivery. In the same way as with the screen 140 in fig. 9, most data for the screen 153 is received via satellite where only data relating to the transaction itself is received/sent via the modem.

The control field 155 contains "delete" and "accept" symbols 158,159. The viewer is therefore free to delete his order at any time since the order is only executed when the "accept" symbol 159 is selected. The control panel 155 also includes a "main menu" symbol 160. This symbol will be included in most screens to enable the viewer to return to the main "purchase" screen corresponding to level 64 of FIG. 4, e.g. The Thomas Cook display 110 shown in FIG. 7.

The control panel 155 also contains a "my list" symbol 161. It has been determined that for a typical household, 80% of the weekly purchases remain the same from one week to the next. The aim is that the supermarkets will keep a file of each viewer's previous purchases and that this can be called up directly the next time the buyer uses the direct purchase service. This will simplify the viewer's weekly direct purchase.

When the accept symbol 159 is selected, the processor 23 will respond by providing a confirmation screen (not shown) corresponding to level 68 of FIG. 4 is displayed on the TV screen. The confirmation screen has the same format as the other screens and contains data from the service provider's computer equipment with confirmation of the order, price and delivery time and with the indication of a reference number, so that the order can be identified in the event of a dispute.

Security is of great importance in any form of interactive services. The system described so far is inherently secure because the decoder 3 contains a subscriber's smart card 16a which is unique to the subscriber's household. The smart card 16a contains data that identifies the household and therefore creates the possibility for the interactive services to be adapted automatically (as far as the viewer is concerned) to the viewer's location. In this way, e.g. direct purchases at the supermarket take place between the viewer and their nearest supermarket branch.

Security is achieved through the use of personal identification numbers, so-called PIN numbers, which are known only to individual viewers in a household and which are used to identify the individual viewers to a specific service provider. In any given household there will normally be only one subscriber to television services, but in all likelihood there will be more than one viewer. Individual PIN numbers can be assigned to different viewers in a household so that each viewer is able to place direct orders for goods and services without the risk of other viewers in the household making direct purchases in his name.

Of course, banks and financial institutions have used PIN numbers for security purposes for many years. Fig. 11 in the drawings shows an example of a screen 170 with a main menu for a bank. A middle part 171 is formed between a main text field 172 and an operation field 173 and has an area 174 for displaying an image and an area 175 where various fields 176 to 178 for identity numbers are displayed. Normally, screen 170 will be displayed as soon as the viewer is ready to confirm their order and therefore corresponds to a level between levels 67 and 68 in fig. 4. Naturally, the identity number can be requested at any appropriate point in the interactive procedure.

On screen 170, three identity numbers are requested. The first number is the viewer's PIN number for the television company. This first PIN number identifies the viewer as a specific person in a subscribing household as mentioned above. The field 176 is first highlighted and then the viewer's PIN number is entered in this field by operating numbered keys on the remote control unit 28. The processor 23 responds to this operation of a key by receiving a non-numeric symbol such as a star to be displayed in field 176. The display of this symbol may be followed by an audible beep or other sound. All viewers' PIN numbers are stored in the memory of the decoder 3 or in the smart card 16a and the processor 23 is arranged to react to the entry of an incorrect number with suitable measures. When all the digits in the viewer's PIN number have been received, the processor 23 will show acceptance of the first PIN number by highlighting the field 177 for account number.

The account number is entered by operating the numbered keys on the remote control unit 28 and the processor responds to this by ensuring that the digits for the account number are displayed in field 177. Data representing the account number is sent to the bank's computer (not shown) via the modem and the bank's computer responds by sending back to the decoder 3 a command requesting the PIN number for the account. The processor 23 responds to this command by ensuring that field 178 is highlighted. The account's PIN number is entered in a manner similar to the company's PIN number, with the entry of each digit confirmed by the display of non-numeric symbols in field 178. As soon as the account's PIN number is entered in this way, data representing these transmitted to the bank's computer (in encrypted form) which responds with a suitable command to the processor 23. If the PIN number is incorrect, the command will be to show suitable measures for the viewer to re-enter the number. If the PIN number is correct, the command will be to continue with the transaction and the processor will respond by proceeding to display a confirmation screen corresponding to level 68 of FIG. 4.

It will of course be clear that what is shown in fig. 11 is only an example of the use of PIN numbers when it comes to direct banking services. Under other circumstances, such as when purchasing goods from a direct purchasing service, the PIN numbers can be used together with credit card numbers to pay for goods with a credit card. Under such circumstances, the screen will correspond to that shown in fig. 11 to give it the same look and feel, but with small details changed corresponding to the transaction in question.

As shown in fig. 2, the decoder 3 may include a second card reader 16a for reading a second card. Currently, banks and other financial institutions commonly use cards with magnetic stripes as debit cards, credit cards and loyalty cards. The second card reader can therefore be suitable for reading magnetic stripes. However, banks will soon switch to "smart" cards because such cards offer greater security than regular magnetic stripe cards. The second card reader 16b can therefore be suitable for use with smart cards. A third option would be to use electronic cards that are "charged" with a cash value where the cash value is reduced by the price of the transaction each time the card is used. The second card reader 16b may be suitable for use with cash cards. Regardless of the type of card chosen, security is improved with the second card reader 16b because the viewer must present to the decoder the company's subscription card and the PIN number for this card, and the bank's card and PIN before a transaction will be able to proceed.

It was mentioned at the beginning of the description of fig. 4 that there are two different screens 61 and 62 with which a viewer can introduce the interactive services. The first screen 61 is described above. The second screen 62 represents a screen that is displayed during normal broadcast of a program or advertisement. During the broadcast, a symbol 179 is displayed above the image and invites the viewer to enter the interactive services. E.g. during a sports program in which a brewery is a sponsor, a symbol offering free beer can be displayed or during an advertisement for a car, a symbol can be displayed inviting the viewer to order a test drive.

Data representing the symbol is sent together with a short program containing instructions on how the processor 23 should react to the viewer's selection of the symbol. It

the degree of interaction required with the viewer can vary significantly depending on the wishes of the service provider. If e.g. free beer is offered, the only interaction required is for the viewer to select the symbol. In this case, the processor 23 will be arranged to respond to the selection by setting up a modem connection with a predetermined number

and then send details from the viewer to this number. If, on the other hand, the advertisement concerns a car, the service provider may require the viewer to enter the interactive services from one or another of the levels 63 to 65 as shown in fig. 4 and then is interactive with the displayed screens as already described.

As the number of service providers grows, it becomes increasingly difficult to display all the "shops" in the "shopping street" on a single screen. Different screens may appear for different types of services. Alternatively, the display can be arranged to show only a few of the "shops" in the "shopping street" at any given time. Fig. 12 in the drawings shows a large "shopping street" 180 and fig. 13 shows a screen 181 which displays only a few of the "shops" in a portion 182 of the "shopping street" 180. The screen 181 includes four markers 183 to 186 which indicate the directions in which the "shopping street" extends. Arrows 183 to 185 indicate that the viewer can move left and right and down the "shopping street" and field 186 indicates that the viewer cannot move up. Depending on the desired stage of development, the processor 23 can be arranged to either scroll left and right and up and down to move incrementally in these directions. Scrolling is more technically demanding and requires more processing power and, in order to keep the price of the decoder down, incremental movement is currently the most advantageous.

It should be pointed out that the interactive services described above are only examples and many other services can of course be made available with the structure described. In addition to direct "purchasing" from local and national departments, local information and other locally based services can be provided via the combined satellite and modem media. In addition, traditionally local services such as vacancies are made national or international via the combined media. Furthermore, it will be possible to use the above-described system for software companies such as manufacturers of games and carry out television advertising of samples of the latest game software so that potential customers can get an overview before purchasing. Access to betting, lotteries etc. will also be possible with the combined media.

In the above-described figures 7, 8 and 11, the images 113, 123, 174 are rendered as if they occupy a limited area which differs from the background in which the area is located. Generally speaking, an interactive screen (e.g. as shown in Fig. 7, 8 or 11) will comprise at least some of the following components, namely: a background, one or more graphic overlays, one or more text overlays, one or more still/live images and associated audio. The components are sent individually in shared or separate channels and thus create flexibility and coherence in the way in which the interactive screens are formed and appear. Normally, the background and image will be broadcast in a satellite channel and the graphic overlay will be received either from the satellite broadcast or directly connected depending on the level of the interactive display.

It is possible to arrange the background, the graphic overlays and the image so that the background appears to encompass the image. Fig. 14 in the drawings shows an interactive screen 190 corresponding to the screen 170 in fig. 11 where the background 191 and the image 192 are brought together without joints so that they appear as a single image. The image 192 is shown surrounded by the dashed lines 193 for the sake of illustration only and the lines 193 will not be found in a real screen. By accurately selecting the background image and the inserted image, it is even possible to use live image as the insert 192, but movement will then naturally only take place in the area surrounded by the dashed lines 193.

Accuracy must be shown when a graphic overlay is placed over the background. The graphic overlay will simply replace the background in the final interactive image. E.g. on fig. 14, the graphic overlay includes the header 194, the footer 195 and the interactive fields 196 to 198. Large processing capacity will be required to determine which parts of the background image have been replaced to enable the background image to be restored when the graphic overlay was changed. Such processing capacities cannot be justified commercially. However, the problem can be avoided in one of two ways. One way is to ensure that the shape of each graphic overlay is the same so that an overlay will replace the previous overlay in its entirety. The other possibility is to arrange the graphic overlay so that it contains parts of the background image and to make the total area occupied by the graphic overlay of uniform size between one overlay and the next. Within the overall area, the shape of the graphic overlay can be changed as desired so that the viewer sees a sequence of graphic images of different sizes and sizes superimposed without joints on the background. In other words, the graphic overlay can be designed, in the same way as the image, to blend into the background without joints.

Said international patent application PCT/GB96/01228, the content of which is here referred to as a reference, describes the pages of the electronic program guide of the decoder 3. In addition to the features described in the said application, the decoder 3 can additionally offer the features that will now be described.

The drawings' fig. 15 shows a screen 200 with TV listings and time, selected interactively by the user by operating the remote control unit 28 as described in detail in the above-mentioned international patent application PCT/GB96/01228. The image 200 with the overviews and time provides the viewer with a list of programs that are currently shown on the selected channels. With the screen 200 displayed, the viewer can freely emphasize any of the fields 201 to 222 by manipulating the remote control unit's 28 keys for up, down, left and right. As an example, the "Movie Channel" field 204 is selected and this is shown highlighted with a highlight corresponding to 221 in fig. 15.

If one of the fields 211 to 220 representing currently displayed programs is highlighted, operation of the appropriate selection keys on the remote control unit 28 will be interpreted by the decoder as a command to display an overview of this program on the screen 200. The actual command may e.g. . be operation of the "left" key on the remote control unit 28. In response to this command, the processor 23 causes the program list grid to disappear, leaving on the screen 200 only the list of channel names 201 to 210 with the currently selected channel name highlighted; ensures that video 222 for the current program in the selected channel is displayed over a quarter of the screen; ensures that the audio for the program is performed and ensures that extended information 223 relating to the program is displayed.

This function could be achieved by sending the video information in each channel in a particularly reduced size. However, in order to save transmission bandwidth, it is advantageous for the decoder to instead make use of video data that is already being transmitted. For that reason, the decoder is designed to tune in to the selected channel and to scale down the normal broadcast to quarter size. With the video insert 222 displayed, the viewer can use the up and down arrow keys (not shown) on the remote control unit 28 to scroll through the channel list in the normal manner and view the programs that are simultaneously being shown on other channels.

The screen 200 also includes "soft" page up and page down keys 224, 225 which can be selected by operating corresponding soft keys on the remote control unit 28. The decoder is arranged so that if the subscriber selects either page down or page up soft keys, the highlight 221 scrolled in the correct direction through the channel list, automatically at five second intervals. The marking 224, 225 of the selected soft key is muted to show that scrolling is in progress. Depressing any key on the remote control unit 28 stops scrolling and the activity associated with this key is then taken over by the decoder.

If a viewer is not a subscriber entitled to browse the program shown on the currently highlighted channel, a graphic is displayed in place of the video insert 222.

To return to the normal function of the lists, the viewer simply sends the corresponding command, e.g. by operating the "right" key (not shown) on the remote control unit 28. The video insert and extended program information will then disappear and the lists will be displayed again with the name of the program displayed and the selected channel name highlighted.

Restricted access such as ownership control is an important feature of pay-TV decoders. The previously known decoders' limited access has been by means of a PIN number which prevents a viewer from watching a channel if the correct PIN number is not entered. Although this solution offers an acceptable degree of control, visible details are nevertheless left in the limited channel. Better control can be obtained if, in addition, details from the restricted channel are removed from all program guide lists that have normal access.

The decoder 3 includes a feature with channel protection which is controlled by a blocking screen 230, e.g. as shown in the drawings fig. 16. When, as shown, channel lock is selected, a scrollable list of channel information will be displayed on the blocking screen 230. Each channel is identified by number and name in an associated field 231 to 250 on the blocking screen 230. An indicator 251 to 257 is shown in a field if the channel is subject to blocking.

When entering the blocking screen 230, the first channel that appears (in field 231) is highlighted. The viewer can use the up and down keys on the remote control device 28 to scroll through the channel blocking list. The blocking list 230 also includes "soft" page up and page down keys 258,259 which can be selected for the same purpose by operating a corresponding soft key on the remote control unit 28.

A lock indicator is only displayed for the channel when the channel is locked. A viewer can unblock a channel by highlighting an unblocked channel and pressing the block soft key 260. A block can be disabled by highlighting a non-blocked channel and by pressing a "Remove" softkey 261.

Data identifying channels where these are blocked is stored in a non-volatile part of the RAM 26 (see Fig. 2), so that the data is maintained if the power is turned off.

If a channel is blocked, the programs shown on this channel will not be displayed in any of the EPG lists. The channel name does not appear in any list of channels, and the channel is omitted when channel surfing. If a secured channel is trusted, the channel name and the programs broadcast on that channel are re-included in the lists and the channel is no longer omitted when channel surfing. Programs from this channel that have previously been selected for future viewing must be manually re-entered by the viewer. The viewer must also manually add the channel back to a possible list of favorite channels.

Although any number of channels could in theory be blocked, it is assumed that in practice no more than ten channels will need to be blocked. The decoder 3 is therefore designed so that a maximum of ten channels can be blocked. If a viewer tries to lock more than ten channels, a message "Only ten channels can lock - Press "Back" to continue" is displayed. If the viewer then presses the appropriate support key on the remote control unit 28, the channel blocking screen 230 is again displayed. Further operation of the remote control unit's keys will cause the decoder to display a channel description screen for the highlighted channel. Pressing the back key on the remote control unit 28 will cause the channel blocking screen 230 to be displayed again.

If, during normal use, a viewer selects a channel and the channel is not blocked, the decoder will simply switch to the selected channel so that normal satellite TV transmission can begin. If the selected channel is blocked, the text "This channel is secured" will be displayed.

Before decoders leave the manufacturer, they are pre-programmed with the channels in a given order. This order is determined by e.g. the television company or by other factors such as the order of the satellite transponders assigned to the channels. The pre-programmed order does not have to correspond to the order that the viewer wants. E.g. a viewer may regard sports as a higher priority and wish to assign low numbers to the sports channels so that they can be seen first e.g. under "channel surfing". Other viewers may consider news and movie channels more important and give sports a low priority. Decoders currently available allow channel reordering, but only by switching to each channel in the desired order. This is a difficult and time-consuming process.

The decoder 3 is programmed to produce a channel listing screen 260 as shown in the drawings fig. 17. This screen 260 is a means for the viewer to rearrange the channels as they appear on other screens' lists. The channel listing screen 260 comprises a scrollable list of channel information in the form of fields 261 to 280 where each of these represents a channel expressed by its number and name. An associated portion 261a - 280a for each field indicates the place the channel will have in the list of other screens. When inputting to the setup screen 260, the first channel 261 to show is highlighted. The viewer's operation of the up and down arrow keys on the remote control unit 28 and soft keys associated with the side up and side down soft keys 281,282 as shown on the screen 260 cause the highlight to scroll through the channel list in the usual manner.

The screen 260 also includes a reorder soft key 283 which allows the order in which the channels appear on the program list to be modified as follows. When selecting the reorder softkey 283, the preferred position field, e.g. field 263a, for the selected channel, e.g. field 263, highlighted and cleared. The viewer is then asked to enter the new position. Each numeric key press is displayed in the position entry field 263a to indicate that the key press was successful. A maximum of three figures may be introduced since it is believed to be unlikely that more than 1000 channels will be available to any particular viewer. When the viewer presses the correct key on the remote control unit 28, the selected channel is assigned the position that was entered and the channel that previously occupied this position is assigned the old position of the selected channel. In this way, channels can be switched around to achieve the preferred order in the list. The position entry field can be cleared so that position entry can be restarted by simply operating an appropriate key on the remote control unit 28. Once the viewer is satisfied with the sequence of channels, manipulation of a selected key (not shown) on the remote control unit 28 is interpreted as a command to return to other list screens where the channels will be listed in the desired positions. The channels that have not been assigned a preferred position are listed in channel number order after the channels that have been assigned a preferred position.

In addition, a viewer can observe the effect of the arrangement on the actual channel listing screen 260. A soft key 284 for sorting is provided and causes the channel list to be rendered in the desired order. If the channels are rearranged while they are displayed in the selected order, the channel names will switch positions in the list automatically. In other words, the decoder 3 is arranged to respond to the sort soft key 284 as if it were a reverser so that selection of the sort soft key 284 once again causes the channels to be re-rendered by channel number. If a subscriber presses the selection key (not shown) on the remote control, the decoder 3 will respond by returning to the highlighted channel so that normal satellite reception can begin.

Having described the present invention with reference to a preferred embodiment, it should be clear that the embodiment in question is only an example and that modifications and variants that persons with the right knowledge can make without deviating from the spirit of the invention and scope as stated in the requirements and equivalents thereof.

Claims (11)

1. Receiver for receiving television signals in a plurality of channels arranged to display a list of channels that can be received characterized in that a user-operable selector can be operated to select from the list channels for which details will not be able to be displayed by the receiver in a further listing of channels. 2. Receiver according to claim 1, where the further listing of channels includes an electronic program guidance listing. 3. The receiver according to claim 1 or 2, where the names of the selected channels do not appear in the further listing of channels. 4. The receiver according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the selected channels are omitted when the user changes channels. 5. The receiver according to any of the preceding claims, where access to the selected channels is restricted by means of a PIN. 6. Method for operating a receiver for receiving television signals in a plurality of channels where the method comprises: a) to display a list of channels that can be received, b) receiving a user selection of one or more channels from the list; and characterized by c) to prevent the display of details of the selected channels in a further listing of channels. 7. Method according to claim 6, where the further listing of channels comprises an electronic program guide listing. 8. Method according to claims 6 and 7, where the names of the selected channels do not appear in the further listings of channels. 9. The method of any one of claims 6 to 8, including skipping the selected channels when the user changes channels. 10. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, including restricting access to the selected channels using a PIN. 11. A computer program product comprising program code means adapted to perform the method of any one of claims 6 to 9 when performed by the recipient.